Our values

Access

Equal access to ownership with the tools to thrive is an economic imperative for effective social transformation. Sustainable economies and gender equality are not mutually exclusive.

Agency

We believe women should have the freedom to choose their pathway in life regardless of their gender and the norms associated with their gender.

Authenticity

We lead in an authentic way because women want to lead with authenticity. We show up in a way that’s meaningful to us and our individual journeys, despite the dominant narrative and we believe in bucking norms because they often don’t serve our authentic selves.

Community-led

We are run by women owners for women owners. We are who we serve and we stand united with one common voice, to advocate for our collective rights to equality and to be heard, seen, and felt.

Disruption

We are not asking the system to reform itself, we are emerging another way of doing things for the health of our shared humanity. Are you with us? We are mobilized, fierce, relentless, bold, and resilient.

Growth

Often defined in terms of an increase in the size or scale of operations in an upward trend, we see growth in a more holistic and multidimensional way.

Inclusion

It takes the diversity of ideas and human experiences to make a whole and healthy social landscape.

Self-efficacy

Every woman has the right to believe in their unique capabilities to achieve their dreams. Women have a right to feel confident, perceive their own competence, feel a sense of belonging, and experience their value.

Our dedicated staff

Abby Guyer

Abby Guyer

she/her
Executive Director
Ashlan Glazier-Anderson

Ashlan Glazier-Anderson

she/her
Communications Coordinator
Day Reed

Day Reed

she/they
Peer Mentorship Facilitator
Jennifer Bolanos

Jennifer Bolanos

she/her
Programs & Community Coordinator
Matea Ivanovic

Matea Ivanovic

she/her
Programs Manager

Our visionary leaders

Melanie Marconi
Melanie Marconi
she/her
Board Chair; CEO and Founder at VIDA Coworking
Ronesha Hayes
Ronesha Hayes
she/her
Board Secretary; Owner at Hayes Consulting & Coaching
Genevieve Brazelton
Genevieve Brazelton
she/her
Co-Founder at The Bitter Housewife
Gloria Coleman
Gloria Coleman
she/her
Principal Consultant at Exit Bliss
Katia Alcantar
Katia Alcantar
she/her
Attorney at Oregon Public Broadcasting
Rachel Bell
Rachel Bell
she/her
Founder at Printer’s Row, Partner at Overcup Press
Susan Liao (Advisor)
Susan Liao (Advisor)
she/her
Owner at Leaders Like Us and Founder at Startups for All
Tracy T. Miller (Advisor)
Tracy T. Miller (Advisor)
she/her
SVP Global HR at Pfizer (RET)

Read up on how we’re driving economic power for women and gender-nonconforming individuals in our annual impact report. Our 990 is here, and so is our 501c3 letter.

Thank you to our generous donors.

As language evolves, so has our definition of women.

Our commitment to addressing structural disparities and challenging dominant norms hasn’t changed. But in the spirit of inclusivity and continued learning, the way we regard gender has. We’re striving for equitable access to business ownership—for an even wider range of marginalized people.

What’s happening at Xcelerate

Our community hosts a variety of events and opportunities to get involved throughout the year. We’d love to see you there.

This is some text inside of a div block.

Roux Week Citywide Experiences October 11 - 17

Celebrate Roux Week with menu specials, collaborations, custom cocktails, and new dishes.

This is some text inside of a div block.

Roux MRKT October 12-13

Taste, drink and meet the makers!

This is some text inside of a div block.

Powerhouse Panel October 13

Learn about scaling a successful food/beverage/CPG brand.